It’s clear that sustainability is key in every industry and aviation is no different, but often long and complicated exercises or consulting rounds are needed to figure out how airports can contribute to increase their overall sustainability.
Many airports have embraced a set of measures to support and implement sustainability measures often with excellent results. Nothing complicated but a dose of healthy common sense combined with a good understanding of what other airports have undertaken and with what results.
We look at the some of the key elements to drive sustainability, these are also the key elements where Air Tech Italy Members can help seen their wide experiences and expertise into making the passenger journey as pleasant and sustainable as possible.
- Energy-efficient buildings: Constructing buildings that are designed to be energy efficient with the use of renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines and install sensors to only light and heat those parts of the airport that are in active use.
- Green processes: many IT applications help airports to better manage their processes whether on the way to the airport, in the terminal or on the airside. Less movements, understand when to best arrive at the airport to avoid queues, less driving around in parkings, etc… the right solutions can bring substantial benefits to airport operations and make them sustainable often in combination with energy-efficient buildings.
- Green transportation: Encouraging the use of green modes of transportation such as electric buses, electric ground handling vehicles, bicycles, or public transit, to reduce the number of cars on the road and associated emissions. Many airports are also looking to connect their airports to the railway system where the entire journey can take less time and requires less flights.
- Waste reduction and recycling: Implementing a robust recycling program and reducing waste production by promoting the use of reusable items, such as water bottles and utensils. Heathrow airport has a great example whereby water bottles are emptied before check-in and can be filled up again free of charge after the security procedure.
- Sustainable food options: Offering food and beverage options that are locally sourced and sustainably produced.
- Water conservation: Conserving water usage by installing low-flow fixtures and promoting responsible water use among airport staff and visitors.
- Sustainable procurement: Procuring goods and services from sustainable sources and suppliers, such as recycled materials or those with environmentally friendly production processes.
- Green infrastructure: Implementing green infrastructure such as rain gardens and green roofs to mitigate the environmental impact of the airport and reduce stormwater runoff.
Implementing these measures, supports airports in becoming more sustainable and helps reduce their impact on the environment while still meeting the needs of their passengers and airline partners.
Air Tech Italy and its Members contribute directly to supporting the drive for increased sustainability at airports, from the design of airport extensions to the engineering needed, from the set-up of sustainable vertiports to passenger flow management and from supporting the passenger experience, to intelligent parking and heat control in buildings.
For every challenge our Members have the right solution that impacts C02 emissions and positively impact any sustainability approach.
Want to find out more? Contact us at management@airtechitaly.com or check out our Members corner here.
